How to Set Up A Remote Desktop Connection for Windows XP

If you have ever wondered how to set up a remote desktop connection for Windows XP then you have come to the right place. I am going to take you through step by step how to assume control of that computer using a remote desktop connection that is included in Windows XP Professional edition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Windows XP Professional connected to a corporate network
• 2nd computer that the 1st will be accessed from, Windows 95 or later must be installed
• Internet connection for both computers

1. To start with the computer which has the files must be running Windows XP Professional edition on a corporate server which allows for remote access. The remote computer which will be accessing the files will need to have Windows 95 or later installed and the Remote Desktop Connection program installed. The computer which has the files is known as the host and the computer that is accessing the host's files is known as the client.
2. Sign onto the Host computer as administrator. Click start and go to control panel, then click on Performance and Maintenance.
3. Click on the system icon at the bottom of the window.
4. Click on the remote tab, then select allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
5. You will also need to make sure that your firewall allows exceptions so close out of that window and go back to control panel. you will want to click on Security Center.
6. Click on the icon for Windows Firewall, this step may vary if your company uses a 3rd party firewall, which then you will need to talk to your IT department.
7. You will need to make sure that the Don't Allow exceptions box is not selected.
8. Next you are going to click on the exceptions tab and make sure that Remote Desktop check box is selected.
9. You will need to get the name of the host computer so you will need to go back to control panel, click system, and then click the computer name tab. The name you are looking for is right after the phrase "Full computer name". You will need to write down this name and then click okay. Close the control panel and leave the computer connected to the internet and corporate network, running, and locked.
10. On the client computer, most likely at home, you will click start scroll to all programs, accessories, communication, and then click on Remote Desktop Connection.
11. In the computer box, type the name of the computer which you wrote down in step 9 and then click okay. A log on box will appear for windows which you will use your username and password for the host computer and click okay.
12. Congratulations you are now connected to your host computer, the host computer will stay locked and will not show any of the work you are doing on the screen so that nobody can access it wherever it is. When you are done just click start and go to log off and you will log off the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to write down the full name of the computer or you will have to travel to and from both computers to finish the process.
• If it is not letting you connect make sure that you changed the firewall settings to allow remote connection.
• You will need administration access to the host computer, you may need to call IT for that if you are not IT already.
• Any actions on the computer can still be tracked by corporate offices.